By David Ettinger

There is some irony in the headline as the Bible passage I am about to quote is actually a benediction rather than an opening prayer. Simply put, the word “benediction” means “closing prayer.”

But when you think about it, I’d rather have the following few words be bestowed upon me every day of the upcoming year than as a closing thought for this expired one. When you read the prayer below, note just how pure and unencumbered it is. There is no pleading for material needs; no longing for miracles or other divine acts; and no wishing for the individual to do great things.

Rather, this elementary yet wonderful benediction/prayer should be the desire of every believer: to live in God’s glorious light every second, of every hour, of every day, of every year of life.

And so, I can think of no better way to express…